Sexual harassment review for Jersey's States

Tuesday 31 October 2017

Procedures for politicians to report allegations of sexual harassment are to be included in a new review of how the States handles those complaints.

It follows a series of high profile allegations in the UK, which have led Prime Minister Theresa May to announce a crack down on the behaviour of politicians in Westminster.

In the States this week, Deputy Jackie Hilton asked the Chief Minister if he was confident that the government had "effective reporting guidelines for staff," in the event that a similar situation arose in Jersey.

Senator Gorst replied that he "hoped" it was the case and encouraged victims who have suffered from sexual harassment to report it to the police, if it was of a serious nature. "That is absolutely what should happen," he stated.

He added he will be reviewing the processes. "There are other cases of harassment and abuse which might not pass that threshold and I hope that we have appropriate processes in place and I will be, having returned to the island this morning when the story broke over the weekend, ensuring that is reviewed to make sure that we do."

"Because the reality behind the headlines is, I fear, that people are afraid to come forward and to make a complaint about individuals, because it is the same we have heard in the Care Inquiry, they are afraid they won’t be believed, that it won’t be acted upon and often will therefore suffer in silence. I encourage people to come forward andmake that complaint, so that complaint can be dealt with."

When Deputy Hilton asked whether States Members will be included in the upcoming review, Senator Gorst said that they needed to be.

Deputy Hilton's questions follow claims that 36 Members of Parliament have been accused of inappropriate behaviour towards women.